Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Have a question about propane? Check out our list of frequently asked questions, because chances are it’s probably been asked before!

Please note that the Canadian Propane Association (CPA) does not provide technical or regulatory advice to the public. For inquiries regarding technical or regulatory matters, please contact the applicable provincial or federal regulatory authority. Click here for a list of regulatory authorities.

Q. Who do I contact regarding questions about my propane appliance or equipment?

We suggest that you contact the company that you purchased the appliance or equipment from, the manufacturer, your propane supplier and the provincial regulatory authority. Please consult this list of provincial regulatory authorities for contact information.

Q. How do I read the markings on my barbecue cylinder? When do I need to get a new cylinder?

Propane cylinders must be inspected and requalified every 10 years – it is against the law to fill an outdated cylinder. The requalification of a cylinder must be done by organizations that have the appropriate equipment, training and certification to do so, and which have been certified by Transport Canada to do the work.

Marks are stamped onto the collar of cylinders identifying the original date of manufacture and any subsequent re-testing dates. For a diagram that explains how to read the collar please click here.

The CPA does not sell or distribute propane or any related equipment, and we cannot recommend one product or service provider over another.

We suggest that you contact various suppliers to find the company that best suits your needs. Our website provides a searchable list of our Association members.

An additional resource if you are located in Quebec; the l’Association québécoise du propane (AQP) has a member list on their website that includes the services offered and locations served.

Q. How many propane cylinders can I transport in my vehicle? What are the rules for transporting propane cylinders?

The transportation of propane is regulated under the federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act and Regulations. Transport Canada administers and enforces the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act & Regulations, which specify requirements for transporting propane, such as means of containment, safety marks, training, permits and emergency response assistance plans.

To get the requirements for your specific situation and jurisdiction, we suggest that you contact Transport Canada.

Q. Can I fill a cylinder in Canada that I purchased in the United States?

In some cases yes; however, in other cases a cylinder from the United States cannot be filled in Canada. Transport Canada summarizes the types of cylinders that can be used in Canada on its website here. We suggest that you contact Transport Canada for clarification.

Q. How do I dispose of or requalify a used propane cylinder after the 10-year expiry date?

Disposal:

Propane cylinders must never be thrown in household garbage or recycling containers for roadside pick-up.

The requalification of a propane cylinder must be done by an organization that is registered by Transport Canada to do the work.

The Transport Canada website maintains a database of cylinder requalifiers in Canada. Once you are at the specified page in the Transport Canada website, you will need to select the inspection type, which is “External Visual”. Once you have made that selection, you can enter the city and province to find a dealer closest to you.

If you have additional questions regarding requalification you may contact Transport Canada.

Q. Can I install a propane appliance or equipment at my home, business or cottage?

Propane is an ideal energy solution for many applications in homes, businesses and cottages. A propane appliance or components of a propane system must be installed and serviced by a certified technician who will also arrange to obtain the appropriate provincial permits to do the work.

Retail propane purchases are private transactions involving a distributor and an individual family or business, and depend on a number of factors. Supply and demand, time of year, location are all potential factors that influence prices. No centralized data source measures and collects these prices for Canada.

Five Canadian provinces regulate propane prices to varying degrees, and prices can be found on regulator websites:

For other provinces and territories, you may consider contacting an energy consulting firm that specializes in the analysis of the Canadian NGL market.

Automotive

Propane prices for automotive use are reported by Natural Resources Canada. Note that propane autogas prices are not the same as residential propane prices due to different storage, delivery and other costs. This information is available on the Natural Resources Canada website.

Q. How are propane prices determined?

Propane prices, like any other commodity, are not set by individual companies. Wholesale prices are determined by market forces; Canada is part of an integrated North American market and there are many factors that affect propane prices, including supply and demand. Propane prices fluctuate like other commodities.

When wholesale prices rise or fall, retailers and distributors generally pass on this change, at least partially, to end-use consumers. And like most consumer products, taxes and delivery charges are added to the wholesale price.

You may also contact the Authority Having Jurisdiction in the province in which you will be using the product. They will inform you of the applicable regulations and requirements for that jurisdiction. Please consult this list of provincial regulatory authorities for contact information.

Q. What are the approved methods used to sell propane in portable cylinders, such as a BBQ cylinder, in Canada?